Four Crucial Skills You Need, Applying for Engineering Job

Various specializations aside, there are a number of general qualities hirers look out for in candidates vying for an engineering jobsbank. If you are planning to break in the field of engineering, here are four crucial skills you need:

 1. Communication skills

Let’s start with the obvious. Excellent communication skills are crucial in most (if not all) jobs. Though it is considered as a soft skill rather than a specialized one, good communication can contribute significantly in your work as an engineer.

In a survey conducted by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, respondents (both members and non-members) believe that communication skills – which include specific areas such as presentation preparation, business writing, technical writing and public speaking – are “crucial” for success as an engineer.

In a highly technical field like engineering, you are expected to relay information in a way that is clearly understood by most.

 2. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills come hand in hand with excellent communications skills. Unlike other professions like content writer, archivist or programmer, engineers often work across teams and with other people from various background and disciplines.

The best engineers know the real value of teamwork and recognize the necessity of collaboration so team players are good finds for headhunters in the industry.

 3. Mathematical and scientific prowess  

The notion that you need to be good in science and in math to be an engineer is half myth and half truth. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a math wizard or a science geek to make it in the industry. You simple need to be able to grasp various mathematical and scientific concepts needed in your field of work.

On a daily basis, engineers have to deal with figures and numbers in their jobs. That is why schools put so much emphasis on courses such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus in their engineering programs. Meanwhile, science aids engineers in solving problems through investigation and the use scientific method.

 4. Flexibility

Flexibility is more of a quality rather than a skill. However, it is of utmost importance for engineers to be able to adapt in various situations that they are in.

Often, engineering projects will have to go through various stages, including a number of twist and turns, before they are realized.   Changes as well as difficulties often arise in a moment’s notice which requires quick thinking. Having an adaptable and flexible personality is crucial in order to succeed in the engineering industry.

 Considering the four crucial skills highlighted above, do you have what it takes to survive in the world of engineering?  Yes?  Good for you! But if you feel like you fall a little short-handed, you might want to work on improving or developing these skills for you to have the best chances of getting an engineering job.